Hyderabad: DRI seizes 27.15 kg hydroponic weed worth Rs 9.5 crore at RGIA, seven arrested

Hyderabad: In a major drug bust, officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Hyderabad Zonal Unit, seized 27.15 kilograms of hydroponic weed (ganja/marijuana) valued at approximately ₹9.5 crore at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) on January 30.

Seven persons, including four international passengers and three associates, were arrested in connection with the case.

Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers mounted discreet surveillance at the Airport Arrival Village. The operation culminated at around 1.15 a.m., when four Indian passengers arriving from Bangkok by Thai Airways flight TG-329 were intercepted while handing over their check-in baggage, along with three other suspected associates.

A systematic examination of the passengers’ check-in baggage led to the recovery of multiple packets containing a greenish-brown lumpy substance, cleverly concealed inside trolley bags. The substance, with a gross weight of 27.15 kg, tested positive for ganja (marijuana) using a Narcotic Drug Detection Kit.

The seized hydroponic weed was confiscated under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. All seven accused have been formally arrested under the NDPS Act.

DRI officials said further investigation is in progress to trace the broader network involved in the international smuggling operation, including possible links to handlers and distribution channels.